Traffic light work on tap near I-75 in Cleveland

CLEVELAND, Tenn. -- As Cleveland Utilities works toward smoothing out traffic-signal snags downtown, it is ready to launch signal projects along APD-40 near Interstate 75.

At a recent utility board meeting, officials announced that a major revamping of the downtown signal network is in its final stages. Old equipment is being replaced with radio-based technology.

Wireless controllers are being installed at 13 intersections along Ocoee, Broad and Inman streets, said Bart Borden, vice president of Cleveland Utilities' electric division. The next step will be coordinating the signals to ease traffic flow.

"We have not received any complaints to my knowledge regarding the functionality of those intersections, but we do have further work to do to get the system where it needs to be," Borden said.

Cleveland Utilities also has tweaked the signals at Keith and 25th streets. The changes, Borden said, have improved southbound traffic on Keith Street during the morning peak.

The project dovetails with a major signal-timing overhaul completed last fall on the Paul Huff Parkway corridor, which encompasses the northern stretch of Keith Street before it turns into North Lee Highway.

Farther south, the utility has started linking four intersections on APD-40, from Blackburn Road to exit 20 at I-75, to its integrated signal system, Borden said.

The integrated system will allow for quick timing adjustments for APD-40 in case of traffic emergencies on I-75, officials said. This spring, similar measures were taken on 25th Street and exit 25 at I-75.

A proposed industrial park southeast of APD-40's connection to I-75 is expected to have a heavy impact on traffic.

In other utility business, Water Division Vice President Craig Mullinax said major repairs are beginning on the sewers in southern Bradley County. The work is part of a 10-year project to reduce the severity and number of wastewater overflows caused by stormwater infiltrating the sewage system.

Mullinax said two related wastewater projects have been completed -- the water filter plant received a new roof this month and the Chatata Creek pump station got a new pump.

The utility also has received new plans for proposed commercial and residential growth, Mullinax said. Water and sewer line connections have been requested for the new Publix at Mouse Creek Crossing. Another request was for Southgate Hills, a 31-lot development for Habitat for Humanity on South Lee Highway.

Paul Leach is based in Cleveland. Email him at paul.leach.press@gmail.com.